Raleigh City Council welcomes Demetria Jones as new intergovernmental affairs manager

Raleigh City Council has taken significant steps to enhance community development and governance during its afternoon session on April 15, 2025. The council approved several key projects aimed at improving local infrastructure and services, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the needs of residents.

One of the main discussions revolved around the selection criteria for project approvals. A council member raised concerns about the weighting of financial suitability and location in the selection process. While financial suitability received the highest priority, location was notably deprioritized, receiving only 20 points. The council member requested further information on the policy that influenced this scoring, highlighting the importance of transparency in project selection. This inquiry reflects a broader interest in ensuring that all desirable locations within the city are considered for future projects.

In a notable personnel update, the council welcomed Demetria Jones as the new intergovernmental and external affairs manager. Jones, a graduate of UNC Charlotte and North Carolina Central Law School, brings valuable experience from her previous roles, including significant policy work under Governor Cooper's administration. Her appointment is expected to play a crucial role in developing an internal legislative agenda, which has been a long-discussed goal for the council.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism as council members expressed their enthusiasm for the projects at hand and the addition of Jones to the team. As Raleigh continues to grow, the council's decisions and new leadership are poised to shape the city's future, ensuring that community needs are met effectively.